Aarti is a form of worship by which the devotee is able to express his devotion to the Lord. Baba's Aarti is sung in Marathi, the native language of the state of Maharashtra (wherein Shirdi is located) and was started by Sai devotee's in Baba's lifetime. The Aarti has become popular in all the temples of Sri Sai all over India as it has the power to lead one to the highest state of ecstasy. At the start of the aarti, a lamp with five wicks is lit. Light produced by fire is considered splenderous and wards off Spirits. Aarti, accompanied by hymns and music, wards off negative influences obstructing the practise of the devotee. Therefore, the aarti is a significant part in Sai worship. According to the guru tradition, the relationship and bond between the guru and the disciple is the very heart and essence of the path of love. To the common man, Sai Baba is the living manifestion of the abstract concept of God, from whom he seeks protection, guidance and support. This yearning that has created a bond of love and faith between Sai and his devotee, is expressed through the aarti.
Aarti is performed everyday in Saipuram at,
05:15 A.M - The Kakad or Morning Aarti
12:00 NOON - The Madhyahna or Midday Aarti
06:30 P.M - The Sandhya or Evening Aarti
10:00 P.M - The Shej or Night Aarti
Sri Sai Baba is treated by all who come to the temples as a living entity. The priests attend to him by performing the rituals and rites, accorded to the manifestation of God (avatar) on earth. Sri Sai is offered new clothes, flowers, fruits, incense, sweets, which are in turn returned to the devotees as prashad (holy offerings) blessed by Sri Sai, which is shared by the devotees with their family and friends. A little bit of Udi is given to each devotee by the priest as a taken of love from Sri Sai at the end of the proceedings.
Mina
Topic: Baba's Aarti is sung in Marathi (Read 2467 times)